Ruins - purchasing a Boleto Turistico (ticket) provides one-time only admission to any of 16 different tourist attractions in the region including Incan ruins and historical buildings and museums in Cuzco. One of the most popular ruins outside of Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, is located just above Cuzco. A bloody battle was fought here between the Spanish and the Incas. It is amazing the size of the huge stone walls that surround these ruins. … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Travel Agencies
Using Travel Agencies can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the situation and how you like to travel. Depending on the situation and type of trip, using travel agencies are often more expensive than planning and making the trip on your own. However, travel agencies will often save valuable travel time as they already have existing relationships established with guides and local tour operators. They offer pre-arranged tours and … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Other Activities
All listings on this page are alphabetized. We visited or participated in all the activities listed on this page. Colca Canyon - view our description here El Misti - towers above Arequipa at 5,822 M or 19,101 feet. Visitors to the city can't miss it; it dominates the skyline. Several options are available for hiking in its vicinity or climbing to the top. A normal climb is 2 to 3 days but those who have problems with altitude or are not … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Water Activities
Several tour companies located along the main street in Vang Vieng offer kayaking trips bundled with cave explorations and stops at small villages just north of town. Each tour operator displays a small billboard in front of their shop; these 'signs' are always covered with items such as photos from previous trips and pleased customer comments. Single day trips range in price from $15 to $25 dollars US. Its always a good idea to shop around … [Read more...]
Vang Vieng, Laos – Lodging
There are many guesthouses setup for travelers in Vang Vieng - most reasonably priced. Air conditioning is certainly available in some of the guest homes. The guest homes that we visited are comfortable, safe and clean. Diamond Gold Hotel, formerly Bungalow Thavonsouk is located really close to the Bamboo Footbridge overlooking the Nam Song River. They offer bamboo thatched lodges - essentially small bungalows overlooking the river. There is … [Read more...]
Xcalak, Mexico – Activities
Banco Chinchorro Banco Chinchorro coral atoll is about 30 miles off shore. This is the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere and is littered with the wrecks of sunken ships. As a result it is an attractive area for Scuba divers. Kayaking The coastline near Xcalak offers numerous opportunities for kayaking. The shoreline in this part of Mexico is protected by an offshore coral reef - the second largest in the world just behind … [Read more...]
Xcalak, Mexico – Tierra Maya Lodge
Mentioned as one of the top ten places to stay in Mexico by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide. Hotel Tierra Maya opened in December of 1998; the name of the property was later renamed to Tierra Maya Lodge (contact information here). This is a beautiful self-contained fishing resort not yet discovered by the droves of people that frequent more popular regions of northern Yucatan. As their brochure states, "a vacation here is a union of luxury and … [Read more...]
Mammoth, CA – Nearby Lakes
CONVICT LAKE Located only about 20 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake is 'hidden' from view from Highway 395 yet is only 2 miles from this highway. Nestled at the base of dramatic mountains - popular for it's scenic vistas and and fish (well-stocked to keep up with the demand of fisherman). Produces some large Rainbow trout - two annual fishing derbies are held - “Round Up at the Lake” in spring and “Ambush at the Lake” in fall.The lake … [Read more...]
Key West, FL – More Info
One of the best recommendations I can give - before blindly trying to see Key West is pick up one of the numerous travel guides found on the island. In addition to helpful tips about traveling in the area, these often contain valuable coupons for lodging, restaurants, ferries, museums, and other attractions. One of the most informative travel guides to the Florida Keys is the official tourism guide. This is available on the web at … [Read more...]
Mt. Shasta, CA – Mt Shasta City
Mt. Shasta City is everything one looks for in a base-of-a-mountain town; it is small, charming and a meeting place for those attracted to this great mountain. It is a collection of those who come to the base of the mountain seeking spiritual guidance, those who come to marvel at its beauty, those who come to try to reach its lofty summit, those passing through on the 5, those who live and work here and those who just want to connect with nature. … [Read more...]